Job Advert: Community Engagement Lead

Location: Ampthill / Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire -Hybrid working

Salary: Competitive salary and performance related benefits

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (including weekends and evenings)

Closing Date: 12.00 pm 2nd July 2026

Interview Date: 7^th July 2026

About Us

Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club is an elite English rugby union club that proudly balances its status as an RFU Champ competitor with a passionate, grassroots mission. Aspiring to be the most professional community rugby club in the country, the Bedfordshire-based club fields multiple senior, women's, youth, and mini sides every single weekend.

Driven by a core ethos of "Rugby for All," Ampthill actively removes traditional financial, physical, and cultural barriers to participation to ensure that players of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds can thrive. From elite development pathways to fully inclusive local outreach initiatives, the club serves as a vital social and athletic hub that leverages the power of professional sport to unite and elevate its surrounding community.

Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club is more than just a rugby club; we are a hub for our community. We believe rugby builds character, fosters lifelong friendships, and unites people. We are seeking an inspiring individual to take our grassroots and community initiatives to the next level.

The Role

Are you passionate about using sport to drive social change? As our Community Engagement Lead, you will be the driving force behind our grassroots growth. You will design and deliver impactful programs that take rugby into schools, diverse communities, and underrepresented groups. You will bridge the gap between our professional ethos and local passion, making rugby accessible to everyone.

Who You Are

• A natural relationship builder who can connect with schoolchildren, volunteers, and corporate partners alike.
• An organised project manager who thrives on turning big strategies into real-world results.
• A champion for diversity and inclusion, dedicated to breaking down barriers to sports participation.
• Someone with a deep understanding of the rugby landscape and its power to change lives.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-related benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and accredited rugby qualifications.
• Complimentary match-day tickets and official club kit.
• A vibrant, energetic, and purpose-driven work environment.

Role Purpose

The Community Engagement Lead will strategically plan, develop, and oversee all community and grassroots initiatives for Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club. The primary focus is to grow participation, deepen local community relationships, and ensure the sport’s core values are accessible to all demographics.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Delivery

• Design and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy aligned with the Club board’s core objectives and national governing body goals.
• Develop tailored initiatives for women, girls, boys, men and underrepresented communities.
• Oversee the successful delivery of school programmes, holiday camps, and match-day community activations.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary ambassador for the club within local schools, colleges, and grassroots clubs.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, public health bodies, charities, and commercial sponsors.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and media teams to promote community success stories.

Inclusion & Social Impact

• Lead the development of diverse formats of the game, such as walking rugby, tag rugby, and mixed-ability rugby.
• Implement targeted programs addressing local social issues, including youth anti-social behaviour and mental health.

Operations, Budgeting & Reporting

• Manage the community department budget, ensuring maximum return on investment.
• Track project KPIs, monitor participation data, and write reports for funding bodies and executive boards.
• Ensure all community staff and volunteers adhere to strict safeguarding, First Aid, and health and safety policies.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Degree in Sports Development, Business, or related.

• Enhanced DBS clearance.

• Valid UK driving license.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• RFU/Governing Body Coaching Level 2+.

• First Aid qualification.

Experience (Essential)

• 3+ years managing sports development or community projects.

• Proven track record of managing budgets and hitting targets.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience securing grants or community funding.

• Working within a professional rugby environment.

Skills (Essential)

• Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.

• Strong project management and organisational abilities.

• Proficiency in data tracking and report writing.

Skills (Desirable)

• Digital marketing or social media content creation.

How to Apply: Send your CV and example of a community activation programme you designed, delivered and development detailing the social impact it created in the local community  recruitment@ampthillrufc.com  by 12.00pm 2^nd July 2026.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.